>Doug,
>
>I noticed how Craig had a post to Michael that said "Aha!!!", after his comment about not willing to study on his own. I think there are quite a few people who are going to have the same reaction. Incredibly stupid comment.
>
>I too am a W2 type only my stack is 8 ft tall. I've switched between projects in the last couple yrs so I have a few VFP books, a few SQL Server with VB books, and in the last year I've added a nice selection of Oracle texts and a Data Modeling book.
>
>I own VFP and VB thru Visual Studio, I downloaded SQL Server and Oracle offers developers software on the cheep ($200 for a track which includes several tools).
>
>I don't think there's anyway I would have had the opportunity to get involved with so many different projects if I told my employer, "Oh yea, sure I'll work on the Oracle system. I hear there's an Oracle class during the work week, that I can take that will only cost you $2000 to send me to. Because I would never expect to have spend my own time or money to learn anything".
>
>PF
>
>
>>Cripes, I usually spend several thousand dollars a year buying books, software, hardware and so forth - and I'm currently a W2! Why?? Bevause I need to be responsible for my skill set and the world's not going to give me the time of day if I don't. I think right now I have about six feet of books I need to read. That's if they're all stacked up. <g>
>>
>>If you can support yourself with your VFP skills you obviously have the ability to progress. I'd really encourage you to so do. Pay the price.
>
>>Why does it always seem to be someone else's responsibility with you?
>>
>>*sigh*
>>
>>What a waste...

During the 15+ years I had my own consulting business my annual expense for software tools, books and training were also in the $5,000+ catagory. I generally freed up about 3 to 5 days each month to devote to evaluating and learning new tools. Compare that with someone who gets a student edition of VB, plays with it for a couple of months, codes some stuff for free, then starts charging low ball rates to write crap software. They have one tool in their box, they are under capitalized, and don't really understand basic principals of coding (bottom up, top down or OOP). They can't afford professional editions of tools, nor the training to learn to use their features properly. This is why the ACM has been pushing for state regulated (not cash cow regulated) testing and licensing for software programmers. No license, no hire.